FRMTB #2: The NAAC, A Race Preview

[UPDATE 4/16 @11am: Tomorrow's race is ON!!! OFFICIAL FLYER]

Ready for another local-grassroots-yet-surprisingly-tough-as-all-hell mtb race? Because we've got one for you. We just got back from the NAAC where we spent the afternoon finalizing Saturday's racecourse. Mwahahaha! I let the evil laugh sneak out only because this course is going to be another sleeper - somewhat similar to Bear Creek in that sense, but an entirely different beast. When driving by the NAAC, the terrain doesn't really look too challenging, does it?....a small knoll, a mound, no long hills, no rock gardens, how tough can it be? [que evil laugh again]

View The NAAC in a larger map

First, the Flow

The flow for the NAAC course is swooping. It swoops through turns, it swoops up climbs, and it swoops down descents. That's probably the most I've ever used that word, but truly that's what it flows like, and it gives the course a really sweet rhythm. Compared to Bear Creek, which required a lot of steady state effort in long vectors, the NAAC throws direction and effort changes at you in quick succession. So acceleration and high intensity bursts will be key to moving up places throughout the race. That, and being able to find the rhythm of the course so you rest wisely and burn your matches wisely.

Those Short Climbs

1,2,3,4,5,6,7. Count 'em; per lap. They're really short, they're really steep, and they're really plentiful. Rest assured they're also really rideable though, because they definitely are - in fact, in your mind you'll be certain you can clear each and every one of them in your middle ring (might want to swap-in your Cancellara quads for that goal, if you know what I mean). Yup, the climbs at the NAAC have bite. Taken by themselves, none are overly difficult. But as a collective, they will put a serious burn in your legs. And that's just lap 1.

Trail Conditions

We're still cutting the trails, how's that for fresh-from-the-kitchen service? First and foremost.... no goatheads. Yup, it's a goathead free course, so no worries about punctures (unless you fly off course and t-bone a yucca plant). The soil is mildly soft right now, but a group of us plan on putting in a couple laps Thursday or Friday which will then firm it up and give it that extra speed factor. To muscle the steeper climbs out-of-the-saddle you'll need a rear tire that can grab well.

Parting Thoughts

Several of the 'climbs' on this course can barely be labeled as such - especially when standing flat-footed in the parking lot looking across at them. But it's these short uphills that will be the true deciders for how your race will progress - more specifically, it's how quick you can accelerate up to speed after topping out on them that will determine if you will be a passer or a passee at the NAAC. Get the flow right, that elusive rhythm, and you'll be able milk rests where there shouldn't be any. Get the flow wrong and... [que evil laugh again].

It's going to be another fun day of racing come Saturday. Another hard day too. But that's what this series is about - hard, fast, and fun racing. You each brought it last time, and we're looking forward to watching you battle it out again on this very different course. We're also stoked about the vibe each of you have brought to this series so far - it's cool, it's local, it's laid-back.... and when the Ref gives that "go" it's all-out, red-lined intensity.

See you Saturday.